• Respiratory tract disorders can lead to chronic eye and sinus infections in cats.""The smallest feline is a masterpiece" (Leonardo Da Vinci)" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: kaibara87 (Umberto Salvagnin) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

Causes

• Feline herpesviral rhinotracheitis and feline calcivirus are often the cause of rhinitis and sinusitis. Bacterial infections can follow the viral attack. Other causes include allergies or fungal infections. Feline herpesvirus causes conjuctivitis, an inflammation of the eye, as well.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms include wheezing, open-mouthed breathing, eye and nose discharge and face pawing. Sneezing, including reverse sneezing (short, fast inhalations), may be frequent.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Your veterinarian will take a complete history and conduct an exam. She may order X-rays or a rhinoscopy or nasal biopsy.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment depends upon the cause. If a bacterial or fungal infection is present, antibiotics or antifungals will be prescribed. Veterinary anti-inflammatories may relieve allergy-related symptoms.
  
  

Prevention

• A well-humidified environment can reduce or prevent further episodes. Keep your cat's environment as dust-free as possible.